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Re: Snowblowers

Generally the single stage blowers are ok for 6 inches or less of snow and smallish areas. Anything more than that and you'll want a 2 stage.

I'd highly recommend Toro, but you'll pay a bit more.

Exactly what I have. Toro single stage, very nice. My neighbors have the big auger types and they stink for anything less than about 6" of snow. My drive is clean when I am done, theirs still has snow all over it.

Re: Snowblowers

Just the average suburban 2-story, 2-car garage with a 40 ft. setback.

Also, any reccomendations on where to buy, anybody offer a military discount?

Also, anybody use an electric?

You don't want electric.

I don't know about military discounts.

I"d probably look at a 2 stage if you're living in Iowa in that setting - especially if you have an end of driveway that the city covers with that wet, sloppy stuff. Ariens, Toro and Craftsman on the "more expensive" (well there's Honda, who makes the Cadillac of blowers, but that's probably a bit out of what you need), and then everything else is pretty much the same from there. For occasional, light use, pretty much any decent 2 stage is just fine, IMO.

I, personally, have a good sized Toro blower, and I was very happy to have it last year.

There is a reason you see pretty much every professional service with Toro blowers on their trucks though.

"Homemade beer, after all, is like a democracy. Every so often, youíre gonna hate what comes out of it. But when itís good, itís the best." - woot.com

Re: Snowblowers

Originally Posted by brianhos

Exactly what I have. Toro single stage, very nice. My neighbors have the big auger types and they stink for anything less than about 6" of snow. My drive is clean when I am done, theirs still has snow all over it.

Re: Snowblowers

Originally Posted by brianhos

Exactly what I have. Toro single stage, very nice. My neighbors have the big auger types and they stink for anything less than about 6" of snow. My drive is clean when I am done, theirs still has snow all over it.

I have actually gone and helped them with my "cheap" model.

Yeah, Brian is right about that. The single stage ones do a better job for light amounts of snow. They are propelled by the paddles actually touching the ground (usually), and this means that they work sort of like a vacuum sweeper beater bar meets paddle boat. The 2 stages rely on scraping along the ground with a scraper and don't always get everything. I'd recommend throwing down a bit of ice melt before it snows to loosen up the bottom layer, and then it comes up pretty easy with the 2 stage.

Where the single stage ones - especially the smaller ones - run into trouble is with heavy, wet snow, and the stuff the plows pile onto the end of your driveway. Even my 8 horse 2 stage toro had trouble a few times last year with a foot of that stuff.

"Homemade beer, after all, is like a democracy. Every so often, youíre gonna hate what comes out of it. But when itís good, itís the best." - woot.com

Re: Snowblowers

Definitely go with a 2-stage. I had a single stage Honda that was good for light dry snow..but when it was wet and heavy it couldn't throw it far enough or would just bog down. It was almost impossible to clear the end of my drive after the snowplows pushed the snow into my drive. My neighbor got tired of seeing me struggle with my blower and would let me use his 2-stage. Now I'm a proud owner of a 10.5 hp Husqvarna 2-stage.

Re: Snowblowers

I'm just the opposite of some. Had a big two stage, and it was too big to handle. Am going back to a single stage "thrower" with an electric start. If you are moving lots of snow, a two stage is best. If you plan to get out and get after it, the single is sure a lot easier to handle, and much quicker. Just my op.

Re: Snowblowers

Originally Posted by ketelmeister

I'm just the opposite of some. Had a big two stage, and it was too big to handle. Am going back to a single stage "thrower" with an electric start. If you are moving lots of snow, a two stage is best. If you plan to get out and get after it, the single is sure a lot easier to handle, and much quicker. Just my op.

Same here. I had a big 2-stage Simplicity. I traded my dad for his single stage Toro. It fits in my garage a lot better and is a lot easier for most snow. But, I sure missed the 2-stage last year.

Re: Snowblowers

I have 22" MTD Yard Machine. It is going on 8 years old and still runs perfectly. I have cafefully maintained it, however.

This year, I had to replace the skid shoes on the side of the intake since they had worn all the way through. Those pieces are designed to wear, though.

The engine is Tecumseh and seems to have enough power. There was one snow storm in CO where we got 24" of snow and blowing and drifting and I couldn't get through some areas without killing the engine. That was the only time it felt underpowered. Otherwise, it does fine.

Also, mine pull starts very easily which is great in case I'm out of town and my wife needs to snowblow.

Hope this helps.

PS...I think MTD got bought by a much larger company that owns Toro and some others.

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